Corporate Development Intern – Strategy & Growth Initiatives (Chicago/Elmhurst, IL)
Join the Corporate Development team at Gerber Collision & Glass—one of North America’s largest and fastest-growing collision repair companies. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Development, you’ll support high-impact strategic initiatives that shape how and where we grow next. From market research to business case development, you’ll gain hands-on experience in strategy, finance, and operations.
This internship is ideal for students who are analytical, curious, and eager to apply their classroom learning to real-world mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate growth functions.
What You’ll Do
- Support acquisition evaluations by researching businesses, analyzing financials, and identifying risks and opportunities
- Build Excel models to forecast performance and return on investment (ROI)
- Conduct competitive and market research to support strategic planning
- Help create presentations and business cases for senior leadership.
- Assist the Business Development team by identifying target shops in priority markets and tracking lead activity
- Map and tag potential acquisition targets in Sitewise (our internal mapping/territory tool)
- Contribute to special projects that replicate a Bain-style density analysis to support and implement strategic decision-making initiatives
What We’re Looking For
- Pursuing a degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field
- Strong Excel and technical/business writing skills
- Analytical and detail-oriented, with the ability to form fact-based opinions on opportunities
- Professional, proactive, and collaborative communicator
Preferred Qualifications
- Coursework or prior internship in corporate strategy, finance, or business analysis
- Familiarity with market research or business case development
- Students from the University of Chicago, Northwestern, or DePaul encouraged to apply
Internship Setup
- Hybrid: 2 days/week onsite in downtown Chicago and/or Elmhurst, IL; remaining time remote
- Mentorship: Work directly with the Director of Corporate Development (based in Chicago)
- Start Date: May 19, 2025 (flexible depending on school schedule)
- End Date: August 8, 2025
- Compensation:
- $20/hour (Undergraduate students)
- $25/hour (Graduate students or returnship candidates)
Interview Process (Our interview process is designed to be thoughtful, streamlined, and informative. Here’s what you can expect):
- Phone screening with our School and Community Liaison
- Pre-interview case exercise focused on business or financial analysis (we’ll confirm the format and give you everything you need)
- Virtual interview with the Corporate Development team
About Gerber Collision & Glass
Gerber Collision & Glass, part of the Boyd Group, is a leader in the automotive repair industry with over 900 locations and more than $2 billion in annual sales across the U.S. and Canada. For over 80 years, we’ve built our reputation on quality, service, and innovation.
Why Join Us?
At Gerber, you won’t just observe strategy—you’ll help shape it. Our interns work on meaningful projects that directly influence company growth. Whether you're modeling an acquisition, evaluating a new market, or preparing a pitch for senior leaders, you’ll gain valuable experience and make a real impact.
Please note, this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
The physical demands of your job must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.